LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the untimely death of Staff Sergeant
Jamal H. Raines, and paying tribute to his courageous actions as a
member of the United States Army

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the
United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Iraqi Freedom will ensure
our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy,
and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Iraqi Freedom
and Operation Enduring Freedom, deserve a special salute from this
Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body mourns the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Jamal H. Raines, and
pays tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States
Army; and
WHEREAS, A combat veteran, Staff Sergeant Jamal H. Raines, assigned to
the legendary 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, the 4-31 "Polar
Bear" Battalion based at Fort Drum, died in Watertown, New York on
December 16, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Raines joined the Polar Bears in August 2007
and quickly became a trusted and respected member of the 4-31st Communi-
cations Section, Headquarters Company and Battalion; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jamal H. Raines' awards and commendations
include the Army Commendation Medal-2, Army Achievement Medal-3, Army
Good Conduct Medal-2, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Device, Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star Device, Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional
Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service
Ribbon-2; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Jamal H. Raines was predeceased by his father
Jerry L. Raines and is survived by his wife, Melanie Raines; his daugh-
ter, Nadja M. Raines; and his mother, Myrtle A. Stewart; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New
York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave;
and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who
risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Staff Sergeant Jamal H. Raines, and to pay
tribute to his courageous actions as a member of the United States Army;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Staff Sergeant Jamal H. Raines.